Meeting with Ferguson Police Department about the Garden

Community gardening on what was once an overgrown and forgotten lot has led to some interesting questions from potential gardeners. Two questions seem to come up repeatedly. The first is, "How can we make sure what we plant isn't taken?" The second is, "How safe is the area where the garden is located?"

Several of us met Thursday to discuss these two questions with 3 members of the Ferguson Police Department; Officer Dee Fuller, Officer Steve T, and Lieutenant Ray Nabzdyk. Officer Dee and Officer Steve have been patrolling the Plaza Heights area for a while now along with Officer White. They have gotten to know the kids in the area, and the parents as well. Their candid discussion and suggestions, along with Sue Odell's personal experience gardening along Suburban left us with a much more positive feeling.

Regarding potential food theft, we should all plant more than we need. There will be community crops (apples, grapes, corn, melons, strawberries, etc) that should draw would-be thieves away from individual plots. If critters become an issue we can find funds to put up small wire fences around each plot.

Regarding safety while gardening, we discussed the following "Common Sense" approach to doing anything in an area that doesn't feel like "home" yet:

1. Gardening is prohibited from dusk till dawn, so while you are gardening during the day, if you feel safer with the buddy system, use it. It might be an inconvenience, but your safety is paramount.

2. Keep your cell phone on you while gardening. Program the non-emergency number for the Ferguson Police on your phone (314-522-3100), and call if you see any suspicious activity. You may also call that number and let the dispatcher know you will be at the Old Ferguson West Community Garden, and ask that the on-duty officer patrol the area more frequently. If you feel immediately threatened, call 911.

3. While gardening, please lock your car and keep purses, etc out of sight. Officer Steve said that people are far less likely to mess with the gardeners as they would be to notice a window down and something in plain sight while walking or biking past.

4. Lieutenant Nabzdyk offered to put the garden as a watch point, meaning that officers will drive by it more frequently, and may even pull over near it to do paperwork. The offer of extra police presence was greatly appreciated. The City in general has been a strong supporter of its Community Gardens, and that goes for all departments.

5. Relax. Kids will come by and ask questions. Teach them how to weed. Our hope is that one of the plots will be maintained by a family on Mueller. We will also have 2 children's gardens to keep kids occupied and interested. (Seriously though, make weeding seem like fun, and your plot could be weed-free all summer long!)

6. Have an open mind. We all hope to learn and laugh and enjoy this opportunity we have. If something doesn't work this first year, let's figure out how to make it work next year. If you have questions, please ask. If something bothers you about the garden, please bring it to our attention. We too are learning and appreciate candid thoughts. This is a community endeavor, and we hope that each and every one of you feels comfortable and is successful!